Real Estate Agents – Education and Testing Requirements in Florida

To become licensed real estate agents in Tampa, Clearwater, St Petersburg, or elsewhere in Florida, candidates must first complete certain education and training requirements. The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) is the governing board that oversees and enforces real estate laws in the state, in addition to approving real estate educational offerings.

Before obtaining licensure, candidates are required to:

• Complete a 63 classroom-hour pre-licensing course that is approved by the FREC
• Complete and submit an application to the state, along with fingerprints and associated fees – candidates can apply for licensure any time within two years after completion of the pre-licensing course.
• Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination with an earned grade of 75 or above

Once candidates have completed these requirements, licenses are distributed and must be activated. Whether a license is held inactively or actively, a new real estate agent must also complete a FREC-approved, 45-hour post-licensing course before the license expires. Additionally, real estate agents from states that are part of the Mutual Recognition agreement with Florida can bypass the educational courses with a grade of 30 or above on the Florida Real Estate Law Exam.

Once all of the education and test requirements are met, Florida real estate agents can help people who are looking to buy or sell a house. Oftentimes, agents decide to earn additional certifications which mean they adhere to a specific set of guidelines, such as the REALTOR ® Code of Ethics. Other certifications designate them as specialists in a particular area related to real estate, such as distressed properties, consulting, or exclusively helping home buyers.

Whether you’re looking to buy one of many South Tampa homes or you’re wondering how to sell your house in St Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Citrus Park, Palma Ceia, Riverview, or Tarpon Springs, you can rely on the experienced and professional real estate agents at Nathan Bangs & Associates. Contact us today for more information.